Business
Aklanon MSMEs Participate in Western Visayas Business Conference & Expo 2025
Iloilo City- Aklanon micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) participated in the two-day Western Visayas Business Conference & Expo 2025 (WV BizConex 2025) on July 1-2, 2025 held at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City.
On Day 1, a segment entitled โAsenso Negosyo: Pioneering Innovation for a Better Future,โ held several panel discussions with invited panelists coming from different national government agencies, private organizations, and local startups, wherein they discussed the MSMEsโ growth through the assistance of the government, the private sector, and the MSMEs themselves by embracing new technologies and adapting digital transformation. One of the panelists who was invited to share his knowledge and expertise was Mr. Heinz Militar, the Founder and CEO of Selah Studio, from the province of Aklan. He talked about his insights on digital transformation and innovation as he recount his journey of establishing Selah Studio. Another panelist was Ms. Anna India D. Legaspi, President of Aklan Piรฑa Manufacturers and Traders Assn., Inc., who talked about unlocking market potentials in Western Visayas, and Atty. Euridice Tupas-Cudiamat, Vice President of Prime Bread & Butter Bakeshop Corporation, who shared about starting a franchising business and the opportunities it can bring to an enterprise.
Meanwhile, during Day 2, another segment on โAngat Kabuhayan: Honoring Excellence and Building Resilience,โ was made to engage the guest-panelists and the audience. The panel discussions revolved on strengthening the local startup economy by capacitating the MSMEs in various aspects of doing business and how the local chief executives (LCEs) contribute to further provide market opportunities.
On the other hand, an awarding ceremony was held to give tribute to the big contribution of MSMEs and other development partners for the regionโs economic development. The 2025 Regional Awards for Outstanding MSMEs which recognized the achievements of entrepreneurs in the region belonging to the three (3) categories: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise. Under the Medium Enterprise Category, the recipient of the award is Raquelโs Piรฑa Cloth Products from Balete, Aklan represented by its owner, Ms. Raquel Eliserio and Mr. Carlo Eliserio. On the otherhand, the 2025 Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners, which gave tribute to the efforts of organizations in empowering the MSMEs, was given to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Aklan Provincial S&T Office, represented by its Provincial Director, Ms. Dyna Rose T. Gubatanga.
Lastly, the Bagwis Award Ceremony wherein they gave recognition to local establishment in Western Visayas that uphold the rights of consumers while practicing responsible business. For the province of Aklan, a total of eight (
establishment were awarded: Toyota Aklan, Inc., Gold Level (revalidated), represented by Ms. Ma. Elijah Puertollano, Customer Relations Officer; Ace Hardware, Bronze Level (revalidated), represented by Mr. Merc Jecon B. Ang, Store Team Leader; Sanford Marketing (SM), Gold Level (new), represented by Ms. Roselyn L. Dayon, Operations Manager; Robinsons Supermarket, Gold Level (new), represented by Ms. Jamine Joy D. Bagunas, Store Manager; Handyman, Bronze Level (new), represented by Mr. Francis Esmalla, Store Manager; Imperial Appliance, Bronze Level (new), represented by Ms. Marie Patorara; Panay Car Care Center, Bronze Level (new), represented by Mr. Raul S. Ramos, Administrative Liaison Officer; and 7-Eleven – Martelino Branch, Bronze Level (new), represented by Mr. Nelio O. Bayona, Senior Operations Field Officer.
establishment were awarded: Toyota Aklan, Inc., Gold Level (revalidated), represented by Ms. Ma. Elijah Puertollano, Customer Relations Officer; Ace Hardware, Bronze Level (revalidated), represented by Mr. Merc Jecon B. Ang, Store Team Leader; Sanford Marketing (SM), Gold Level (new), represented by Ms. Roselyn L. Dayon, Operations Manager; Robinsons Supermarket, Gold Level (new), represented by Ms. Jamine Joy D. Bagunas, Store Manager; Handyman, Bronze Level (new), represented by Mr. Francis Esmalla, Store Manager; Imperial Appliance, Bronze Level (new), represented by Ms. Marie Patorara; Panay Car Care Center, Bronze Level (new), represented by Mr. Raul S. Ramos, Administrative Liaison Officer; and 7-Eleven – Martelino Branch, Bronze Level (new), represented by Mr. Nelio O. Bayona, Senior Operations Field Officer.To show their support to the initiative, the Provincial Government of Aklan is one of the Gold sponsors for the said activity while Bread & Butter is a Bronze sponsor.
The first WV BizConex 2025 is aimed to bring together different businesses along with other important stakeholders from Region 6 in one venue to promote strong collaborations, build a community of thriving, resilient enterprises, and to advance inclusive innovation through continuous digitalization efforts for our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
